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To whom it may concern, I return to America TOMORROW. 
So to make the transition a little easier for all of us, I thought I should prepare you guys a little. Consider yourself warned.

  • I brush my hair with a fork.
  • You can expect me to pray for random strangers everywhere I go.
  • The thought of blankets on a bed is REALLY exciting.
  • I don't remember the last time I wasn't itchy.
  • It might take me a minute to adjust to the lack of bugs everywhere and on everything.
  • It is totally normal for a conversation to start with the words, “Um, I have a word for you,” or “Hi, Jesus just wants me to tell you…”
  • Dishsoap can clean anything. So can shampoo. And toothpaste.
  • Charging my computer without first searching for a converter will be weird.
  • So will showering more than twice a week.
  • I don’t know how to put on makeup anymore.
  • I’ll probably hug every single child I see.
  • And attempt to stuff them in my backpck.
  • Speaking of backpacks…I'll probably bring one EVERYWHERE with me for a good while.
  • 90% of my clothes are very clearly Thai.
  • What's air conditioning?
  • Also, what's TV?
  • I could very happily eat rice for every meal for the rest of my life.
  • I WILL jump for joy when I get to eat fruits and vegetables regularly.
  • I will be prepared to speak on anything, anywhere, at any given time.
  • I will wear the same clothes for weeks at a time.
  • I honestly don't remember the last time I sat in a chair.
  • I've seen angels in the sky.
  • And God has healed people through my hand.
  • I measure time in countries, or 3 month intervals of ministries.
  • I have kids that I literally consider my children in 3 different countries.
  • And I want nothing more than to be African.
  • I don't remember how to drive. Especially on the right side of the road.
  • I won't understand why everything can't be bought from a stand on the side of the street.
  • Toilets flush?
  • And water can be hot?
  • My life is a constant, neverending conversation with The Lord.
  • And I haven't gone anywhere without at least 3 other people in months.
  • Brokenness is a thing you'll hear about within my first week home.
  • I can't even fathom not having to convert my every purchase into USD in my mind.
  • Most of the things I say will probably start out, "When I was in Thailand…" or "This one time in Africa…" or "Remember in Honduras when…"
  • I take my malaria pills so I don't get acne and so I do get tan, not so I don't get malaria.
  • I've lived with my 23 brothers and sisters for the past 9 months. We know literaly everything about each other. I apologize in advance for talking nonstop about them.
  • Elephants in the middle of the street? Normal.So are slugs covering the kitchen floor and wild horses outside your tent.
  • It will be strange when everything everywhere doesn't smell like fish.
  • And when internet is just available.
  • I may just set up my tent and live in it for a few weeks.
  • And I'll make you have daily feedback sessions with me. (Don't worry, they're not as scary as they sound.)
  • I will freak out when I see my softball glove again.
  • And also my dog.
  • I will more than likely embarass you in public becasue of something Jesus told me to do. Sorry I'm not sorry.
  • Oh, and I hope you like cuddling.

I love you all, and I can't wait to see you guys in a few short days.
But in all seriousness, it will be hard for me to adjust to life back in the states, so bear with me and be patient 🙂
I'm praying for you guys throughout the process and asking for your prayers as well.
Thanks, my friends! See you soon.

3 responses to “Consider yourself warned…”

  1. Abby,
    St. Louis is not too far. Please come to Milwaukee anytime for as long as possible. You would be very welcomed.
    Thank you for this blog so the rest of us parents are warned. God bless you, sweet lady.
    Kristen’s Mom

  2. Abby, I cannot believe it’s already been 9 months! I can’t wait to see you and hear all about your trip, especially all about your relationship with Jesus. : )